With just three days remaining until the start of Term 2 earlier this year, the province announced a number of new (but by now very familiar) restrictions to come into effect almost immediately. The GGS was once again confronted with a series of “make lemonade out of lemons” decisions.
Prior to the holidays, several Ontario universities announced a return to online instruction for most of the month of January. As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the GGS decided to remain flexible, with the goal of modifying activities in response to updated requirements rather than in anticipation of them. Fortunately, the small size of the student body, and the resulting availability of appropriately sized learning spaces, meant that GGS was able to begin Term 2 as planned – safely providing the in-person instruction that is the cornerstone of its curriculum.
While the month of January was not without its logistical challenges, students and faculty once again rose to the occasion – adapting to changing classroom locations and setups, while still staying committed to making the most out of every performance opportunity available to them. This was especially true for those involved in this year’s Vocal Showcase and the third 21/22 Royal Conservatory Orchestra performance.
Originally planned as a live Mazzoleni Hall performance, the format of this year’s Vocal Showcase once again shifted to a set of pre-recorded performances due to audience restrictions. This year, however, vocal students benefited from the opportunity to record their performances on the Mazzoleni Hall stage and were able to program duets in addition to solo works.
The GGS’ commitment to maintaining in-person learning also meant that The Royal Conservatory Orchestra was able to take the stage as planned on Friday, February 11, under the baton of Maestra Tania Miller. Since the GGS’ full return to in-person programming in September, students have let us know how important opportunities to perform in ensembles with their colleagues have been for them. The enthusiasm of our orchestral students was matched by the passion that Jean-Luc Therrien (ADP ’20 / 2021-2022 Rebanks Fellow) brought to his performance of Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2, after waiting almost two years to perform this work for Koerner Hall and at-home audiences.
GGS Students are now hard at work in preparation for this year’s remaining performances:
Visit RoyalConservatory.Live to watch past Glenn Gould School performances.
